Many readers believe Wallace could be a good mentor for
rookie center Andre Drummond, whom the Pistons selected ninth overall in June's
NBA Draft.

"I like the idea of him returning to play to role of 'mentor'
for the young bigs," wrote reader boobooman. "Many my say 'save the last spot
for a young player,' but, most of the time, these players get no minutes. In our
present situation, with such a young core, what does a borderline young player
bring to the table? If a young player isn't getting minutes, what value does he
have? The Bulls did this with Lindsey Hunter at the twilight of his
carreer- He brought a veteran presence to a young team, and helped to show, by
example, a young Derrick Rose how to work and carry himself like a pro."

Reader allion1 echoed those thoughts.

"Who better to mentor a young, athletic, defensive center
(ie. Drummond) than one of the best defensive centers the NBA has seen in the
past decade?," allion1 asked. "Monroe has stated before that having Wallace as a
mentor helped him immeasurably. Don't we want the same thing for Drummond? He
has all the physical tools to become a perennial First-Team defensive player.
But in order to achieve this, he needs a good mix of coaching, mentorship and
hard work. Wallace can help in all these areas."

Add reader Scott Free to the list of readers who think Wallace
could help the Pistons in more ways than one.

"Neither Wallace nor Middleton would get significant (if any)
minutes," Scott Free wrote. "The question becomes who's intangibles would help
the team the most, and I think the answer is obvious... Ben Wallace. His
real contributions however, are off the court. Ben Wallace is a respected
player that still knows how to play stellar, smart defense (even if his body
isnt always up to the task), he's a notorious gym rat that by some accounts
have challenged others on the roster to work on their physique. In practice,
Ben Wallace has the caginess to challenge young players like Andre and Slava
(particularly concerning Drummond's easily block-able shot)."

Charlesb927 thinks Wallace has earned the right to decide
when it's his time to go.

"If he does come back it's going to be on his terms,"
Charlesb927 wrote. "Limited playing time and can he still help. The answer to
both these questions is yes. He can play limited minutes like he wanted last
year now and can help the team by helping the younger guys. Some may see it as
him coaching but i don't. He's still going to play when needed and helping the
younger kids learn the game. Well except free throws i hope.lol"

Reader Mayhewforgmoftheyear disagrees and says it's time for Wallace
to retire and open up a roster spot for Pistons of the future.

"I love big Ben," Mayhewgmoftheyear wrote. "But come on!!!
Ben, RETIRE!!! Its time isn't it? Why come back? For what? It can't be because
of the money. Its time to give the young guys a chance to learn, grow and shine
together. I'm just saying!!!"

Some readers would like to see Wallace return to the Pistons but only as a
member of coach Lawrence Frank's coaching staff.

But that could depend on a number of factors. Whether Frank
wants him is obviously a big one and Wallace said last season that he didn't
have much interest in a coaching career.

"Dumars needs to stand up & offer him a coaching job
& tell him to stay retired," reader Larry wrote. "Retire
Ben, Do not come back unless it's to coach Drummond, do not take up a roster
spot if your a Piston for life, please stop this nonsense, Dumars, we don't
need him. It would be a shame to lose someone on the team because you resigned
Wallace, don't be stupid here guys. Same with Maxiell, get rid of this
character with his Girly jump shot"